Is Grand Marais, MN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.5/100
waterverge.com Grand Marais, MN — Water Quality Report
Grand Marais's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,404 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grand Marais's water
Grand Marais ranks #267 out of 466 cities in Minnesota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Grand Marais may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grand Marais, MN water safe to drink?
Grand Marais's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,404 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Grand Marais
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grand Marais's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4797). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4659). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grand Marais's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Grand Marais's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cook County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Grand Marais's water come from?
Grand Marais's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,404 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Grand Marais residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Grand Marais's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Cook County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Grand Marais compares by contaminant
Explore where Grand Marais ranks among all Minnesota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grand Marais's water comes from
Grand Marais's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,404 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Grand Marais
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Marais | MN1160001 | 1,344 | SW |
| Pine Mountain Mobile Home Court | MN1160006 | 60 | GW |
How Grand Marais compares
Full Minnesota rankings →Grand Marais's score of 88.5/100 is above the average of 82/100 among major Minnesota cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Minnesota rankings →About Grand Marais, MN
Wikipedia →Grand Marais is a city and the county seat of Cook County, Minnesota, United States, of which it is the only municipality. It is on Lake Superior's North Shore. Grand Marais had a population of 1,337 at the 2020 census. Before it was settled by French Canadians and before Minnesota's statehood, it was inhabited by the Ojibwe.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grand Marais's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cook
Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Marais, MN tap water safe to drink?
Grand Marais's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #267 out of 466 cities tested in Minnesota.
What contaminants are in Grand Marais's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Grand Marais's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Grand Marais?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grand Marais's water come from?
Grand Marais's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,404 residents.
How does Grand Marais's water compare to other cities?
Grand Marais ranks #267 out of 466 cities in Minnesota (better than 43% of state cities) and #3428 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.